The Canton Golden Bears Modified Soccer Team continues to dominate the full field with strength and skill in every position. They played an improved Madrid-Waddington squad on Wednesday, relentlessly challenging their keeper with a “finish” mindset and multiple shots on net. Coach French spoke with M-W keeper, Hazel Kent, following the game to congratulate her on an outstanding effort. The Jackets coach, Buffy Gabri, expressed that Hazel is young and new to the position but enthusiastic and aggressive. She had countless saves that kept the strong Canton offense to 6 successful shot attempts.
On the Canton lineup, midfielder Salma Moumen played with persistent energy and assisted two goals scored by forward Olivia White and center midfielder Viv Coburn. Coburn’s speed, aggression, and stamina continues to be an asset as she is reliable in assisting the defense and offense. In addition to the goal she scored, she assisted two others driven by forwards Sara Aldous and Gracen Parker. Aldous netted a second shot on a pass from Olivia Francey and finally, standout 7th grader Kailin Backus ripped a perfect bullet shot over the head of Kent and four M-W defenders on a turn she made appear effortless.
The diamond defense was effective in shutting out the Jackets with stopper Elaina Robert confidently and consistently keeping the ball from passing the center line. The reliable awareness of the field and initiative to cover positions by Coburn and fullback Ella Mousaw allowed Robert along with fullback Abby Nee and sweeper Winnie Downs, to each make attacks to the offensive end. They proved the versatility and skill of this group as they maintained solid ball control with a calm, poised authority of the game space dribbling to the opposite end and making a triumphant cross.
Keepers Jenna Larrabee, Natasha Rossiter, and Calie Tebo managed to support the shutout and contribute to pushing the ball down the field with much improved and impressive punting skill. Other supportive players, Tessa Alguire, Eliza Creurer, Skyler Sanderson, Mia Wilson and Mae O’Shea made the bench deep for this young and ambitious team.
Canton Athletic Director Bill Porter commented on the young team and coach. “This group has all of the tools and potential to be an outstanding and memorable team as they move up the ranks. Coach French has done an tremendous job with them in a short time during practices and games. Teaching and coaching during a pandemic is an enormous responsibility for all of our coaches and she has managed this large roster, by herself in an exemplary manner. They have a great team chemistry and are very fun to watch!”
The modified girls are in action this coming Monday, November 2nd at Norwood-Norfolk. They will cap off their season the following Friday and Saturday with a doubleheader when they host Potsdam on Friday, November 6 (3:00 pm) and then Norwood-Norfolk once again on Saturday the 7th (10:00 am).
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